The Town Green to open April 4 at First Church

Coffehouse to debut

BY PHYLLIS BOOTH PBOOTH@HOLDENLANDMARK.

Jug O' Punch will kick off the First Congregational Church's Town Green coffeehouse program on April 4. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4, for the premiere of the Town Green, a coffeehouse to be held at the First Congregational Church in Princeton on Mountain Road.

The evening will feature the Jug O' Punch performing Celtic music. The group often performs at the Old Timers in Clinton.

Princeton resident Susan Roney- O'Brien also will read Irish poetry.

Light refreshments such as coffee, brownies, truffles, cheese and fruits will be available. Fair-trade coffee by a skilled barrista also will be served. The first event in April will feature a chocolate theme and the theme will be changed each month.

"One day it just hit me like a bolt of lightning that we should start this now," said Pastor Linda Michel. "We've talked about doing this for quite a while. Sometimes the moment is just right and this is the moment to do this."

Other area churches like United Church in Worcester, and churches in Baldwinville and Tatnuck Square have coffeehouses "but there's nothing in this area," she added.

"This gives people something to do on a Friday night in Princeton," said long singer-musician Patsy Mollica. "After seeing how many people turned out for the Valentine's dinner last month, we knew it would be a good idea. It's also a great way to foster young people."

"It's always nice to be able to go to somewhere nearby and there are a lot of musicians in the five Wachusett and nearby towns who could perform," said Susan Ursprung, who's helping launch the coffehouse. "We hope to provide a venue for up and coming musicians in the area as well as the sought-after coffee house musicians."

In May, Billy and Mary Walsh will perform - Billy Walsh is called the "American Juke Box," Ursprung noted. In June, Nat Needle, a contemporary vocalist and composer will be featured.

The timing for a coffeehouse is right, said Michel. "Gas prices are on the rise and it would be great to have a coffeehouse nearby. It will give people in the area a place to meet and visit," she said.

"It will be an old style coffee house. Good coffee, good food and old-fashioned china," said Mollica.

Tickets are $10 and will be available at the church office and at the door the night of the event. Tickets are limited due to space.